Rako won the Songwriter of the Year[3] at the 2016 BASS Awards.[4][5]
Early life and education
Rexford Kojo Amoah was born on 12 November 1979 in Agona Mankrong, a village in the Central Region of Ghana to Mr Justice Charles Amoah and Ms Mercy Mensah.[6]
He started his basic education at CRIG Primary School and attended Junior High School at CRIG JSS, both in New Tafo, in the Eastern Region of Ghana. He then Perused a Visual Art course at Adisadel College, Cape Coast – Ghana.[6] In Adisadel College he joined the School Choir and was an active member until he left the school in 1997.
Personal life
He gained admission to the College of Art faculty of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, in 1999 where he continued his love for music and entertainment by working as a radio show host and DJ on Contatto radio amongst presenters like Blakk Rasta, and Norcus.
He moved to London in 2003 where he continued his radio and music business as a stuff team player of Rainbow Radio alongside his work as a professional Graphic Designer.
He originated his stage name from the Jamaican name, Shotta and made it into his own "Shatta".[7]
Shatta Rako's music career began to take shape after his return from the United Kingdom in 2005. He released his debut single, NFONI,[9] which gained attention and became popular in the Reggae/Dancehall genre. At the time, few artists in Ghana were actively pursuing Reggae/Dancehall, making Shatta Rako one of the few prominent figures in the genre alongside others such as General Marcus, Mr. Root Eye, Yoggi Doggy, Sonni Balli, and Scooby Selah.[9]
Known for his vocal range and adaptability to different musical styles, Shatta Rako collaborated with several prominent Ghanaian artists, including Jewel Ackah, Kofi B, Daasebre Dwamena, Pat Thomas, Kwame Adinkra, Kofi Nti, and Mr. Root Eye.[9] His ability to blend reggae and dancehall with local music influences contributed to his recognition within the Ghanaian music industry.
He is known for singles such as TekOver, MakeMoney, Roll Call, Too Late, and State of Emergency. His song State of Emergency earned him the Songwriter of the Year award at the 2016 BASS Awards.[6]
Mentorship and influence
Throughout his career, Shatta Rako has worked with and mentored several emerging artists. Among those he has influenced is Nigerian musician and entrepreneur Oluwatosin Ajibade, known professionally as Mr. Eazi. Mr. Eazi has publicly acknowledged Shatta Rako's role in his development as an artist, referring to him as a "legend."
In addition to his music career, Shatta Rako is a professional graphic designer. He is the founder and CEO of Legend Studios and Creative Home, companies specializing in graphic design and multimedia production.
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